Breastfeeding may protect against inflammation and heart disease in young adulthood

Babies of low birth weight and those who are never breastfed - or only breastfed for under 3
months - are more likely to grow into young adults with levels of chronic inflammation that can
contribute to heart disease and metabolic disorders, warns a new study.

Researchers from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, report their findings in the
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

In their study background, they note that while we already know higher blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are a key biomarker of inflammation, and predict increased cardiovascular
and metabolic disease risk in adulthood, we know little about the developmental factors that
influence inflammation.

For each extra pound of birth weight, the CRP level in young adulthood was 5% lower

CRP levels were 20-30% lower in young adults who were breastfed for 3-12
months as babies compared to those who were never breastfed.

There were also dramatic racial, ethnic and education disparities. Babies born to white,
Hispanic and more educated mothers were more likely to have higher birth weight and be breastfed,
note the authors.

Study shows importance of breastfeeding for public health

Breast milk gives newborns essential nutrients and supports their immune system following birth.

The researchers conclude the results highlight the importance of promoting better birth
outcomes and encouraging mothers to breastfeed for longer as a way to improve the general health
of the adult population.

They add that increasing such awareness could narrow the intractable social gaps in adult
health outcomes that are tied to inflammation.

Lead author Thomas McDade, professor of anthropology in Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts
and Sciences and faculty fellow of the university's Institute for Policy Research, says:

"The findings about breastfeeding and birth weight are particularly illuminating. The rates for
many adult diseases completely mirror rates of low birth weight and low breastfeeding uptake and
duration."

Breast milk gives newborns essential nutrients and supports their immune system following
birth. It also affects the development of the immune system and metabolic processes linked to
obesity - two ways that link to CRP production in adulthood.

Dr. Alan Guttmacher, director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development, says the study "helps us understand and appreciate the importance of
breastfeeding, especially for low-weight infants," and suggests "that breastfeeding may reduce a
major risk factor for heart disease, well into adulthood."

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